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  • Friday, 24 Oct, 2014,
  • by Greyhound Racing Victoria

‘Hawk’ the Voice of the Topgun

Ron Hawkswell is undoubtedly the voice of the Topgun having called every single version of the invitation-only feature since its inception in 1993.

Not only has he called every race, he has served on every expert panel that decides the final make up of event, meaning he is inextricably linked to the races history.

The ‘Hawk’ remembers calling the first ever Topgun next to the late Bill Collins – who incidentally came up with the concept.

“I remember calling the first Topgun for radio while the great Bill Collins was a few boxes down calling the race for Channel 10,” he said

The event started it a fitting manner, with a famous dead-heat between Golden Currency and Worth Backing and Hawk believes that is still the most memorable race.

“The inaugural race was just outstanding. The final three were separated by a neck with Golden Currency and Worth Backing finishing in a dead-heat.”

The field being hand-picked means that the best eight greyhounds in the country are engaged and over the years the Hawk remembers calling some champions of the sport over the line.

“Greyhounds like Rapid Journey, Bombastic Shiraz, Whisky Assassin, El Grand Señor have won the race. It’s just a line-up of the best greyhounds in history.”

Of the 2014 edition of the SKY Racing Topgun, Hawkswell believes it is a wide-open race and says that a smokey may salute.

“My best outsider for the race is Oakvale Destiny from the three (box three), if she is able to position herself well she could win at nice odds.”

Tomorrow night, those familiar dulcet tones will ring out over the loud speaker on the track, through the airwaves on radio and on television sets across the country, as Ron says ‘green light on, ready to go for the Topgun’ for the 22nd time.

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WATCH: Ron Hawkswell calls the first ever Topgun in 1993

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WATCH: Ron Hawkswell calls the great El Grand Senor 

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Greyhound Racing VictoriaGreyhound Racing Victoria

Greyhound Racing Victoria

GRV regulates the sport of greyhound racing in the state of Victoria under the Racing Act 1958 (Act), which includes setting standards and ensuring they are met by participants.

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